Each year during March Madness, it is always refreshing when mid-majors (e.g., Butler or George Mason) or academics-first institutions, like Harvard, make the bracket cut. It provides the average fan with an opportunity to identify with their plight. Given the economic conditions of this nation, many Americans are feeling like underdogs – modern day Davids facing Goliaths. With the predominance of major conferences (SEC., A.C.C., Big 10), the appearance of smaller conference teams provides a redeeming element to this multibillion-dollar tournament and an opportunity for us to cheer for the underdog.

Less than 1 percent of the 380,000 student athletes in this country generates more than 90 percent of the yearly revenue for the N.C.A.A.

Underdogs aside, however, it’s hard for me to get excited about this tournament when the harsh reality is that less than 1 percent of the approximately 400,000 student athletes in this country generates more than 90 percent of the yearly revenue for the N.C.A.A. Furthermore, over 60 percent of this less than 1 percent are African American males – the true underdogs. Academic achievement is the lowest among these athletes. It is not because of their academic inabilities but because of the athletic demands placed upon them.

Imagine if you were one of 12 employees who were responsible for generating millions of dollars each year for your athletic corporation. How much quality time and energy would you have to give to other activities?

Each year several reports are produced to highlight the incongruities in competitive college athletics, where dismal academic performances are overshadowed by athletic dominance.

In order to support and celebrate student-athletes and downplay their commercial value, the N.C.A.A. and its Division I conference member institutions must put academics at the center of revenue distribution.